Family asks not to remove brain-dead girl from life support

Omari Sealey, left, uncle of Jahi McMath, speaks with attorney Christopher Dolan prior to a news conference Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in front of Children's Hospital in Oakland, Calif. McMath remains on life support at Children's Hospital Oakland nearly a week after doctors declared her brain dead, she had tonsil surgery on Dec. 9 to help her with sleep apnea but began bleeding and experienced cardiac arrest later that night. Doctors declared her brain dead on Dec. 12. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

December 19, 2013, 8:00PM

12/19/2013

OAKLAND — The family lawyer of a 13-year-old Northern California girl declared brain-dead after having surgery to remove her tonsils is asking a hospital not to take her off life support during the holidays.

Attorney Christopher Dolan said Thursday that Jahi McMath's family will meet with officials at Oakland Children's Hospital to ask they refrain from removing her from life support until after Christmas.

Dolan said if the hospital doesn't agree, the family will likely seek an injunction or court order instead.

The teenager went into cardiac arrest and died before being brought back by hospital staff last week after she had a tonsillectomy to help with her sleep apnea.

The hospital has agreed to keep her on life support after the family served it a cease-and-desist order Tuesday.